Clarke sees his second participation in a tour event after the 2015 Ras Al Khaimah Classic where he finished in a tie for second as a great opportunity to interact with some of the finest talent from the region and give something back to the game.

“It’s always fun playing alongside youngsters. I can maybe offer a bit of advice to them, only because there isn’t much I haven’t seen at this stage of my career, and it's nice to give back,” said Clarke, who has won 22 tournaments worldwide in addition to featuring in seven Ryder Cups, five times as a player.

“With a lot of fresh talent coming through the ranks, the MENA Tour is headed in the right direction and now has an increasingly cosmopolitan feel as reflected in the roll of honour which has seen 46 different winners from 19 countries,” said the Ulsterman, who was also instrumental in attaining Official World Golf Ranking recognition for the tour last year.

“This ranking status has done a world of good for the tour. It’s great to see young Rayhan, the first amateur to win a MENA Tour event last year, crack the world top-50, become the top qualifier for Trevor Immelman’s International team ahead of the inaugural Junior President’s Cup in September. He is a class act.

“With Craig Hinton winning the Jo'burg City Masters, a co-sanctioned event with the Big Easy Sunshine Tour in 2016, these success stories go on to show golf in the region is in safe hands,” added Clarke, who lauded Mohamed Juma Buamaim, the chairman of the MENA Tour, for his vision which has put the region’s golf on a growth trajectory.

“I have known Mohamed for years, one who lets his work do the talking. Creating a pathway for the region’s golfers constitutes one of the biggest achievements for the tour. No longer a young man needs to ask where should he go.

“Players know the tour is there to cater to all their needs. That’s what this initiative of the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation wanted to create and that’s what’s happening. The competition is getting harder and harder and steadily the tour gaining that big-league feel to it, all thanks to Mohamed and his team for creating a competitive atmosphere for the region’s players to grow and excel on a bigger stage.

“Our goal remains to provide players with the opportunity to make the next step while making a positive impact in the community,” said Clarke, who thanked the Dubai Creek management for their enthusiastic support to the tour.

“We appreciate all the hard work they have put in preparing the course which is in great condition and we can expect some exciting golf ahead,”